Pop
noona
What does noona mean?
Used affectionately, sometimes flirtatiously, by a younger man toward an admired older woman.
"Noona, you're way too cool, let me carry that for you."
Origin
A native Korean kinship term (누나) meaning 'older sister' from a male speaker's perspective; known globally through K-pop and K-dramas.
Frequently asked questions
What does noona mean?
It's Korean for 'older sister,' used by a male speaker — and in K-pop it's how male idols address older women.
What is a noona fan?
It's an older female fan of a group, especially when she's older than the members she stans.
What's the difference between noona and unnie?
Both mean 'older sister,' but a man says 'noona' and a woman says 'unnie.' The speaker's gender decides which one.
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